Our Gamma Zeta undergrads went into the Fall semester determined to make a significant improvement in academic performance. They set a goal to finish above fraternity and university men’s averages and combined with alumni support put several programs in place to help. Their hard work and planning paid off as the chapter jumped an incredible 20 spots in the University of Illinois Fraternity GPA Rankings.
Going back to last spring, leadership recognized that changes needed to be made. Higher goals were set for the chapter as a whole and for each individual member. Chapter Advisor, Jim Dobrovolny ’70 suggested and implemented a program where each member set and publicly committed to individual improvement goals. Alumni mentors were assigned to each active and pledge and they led one on one discussions about the importance of academic performance, particularly as it relates to the improved availability of internships and job interviews based upon better GPAs. Alumni Board of Trustees Chairman Jack Klues ’77 worked closely with undergrad scholarship chair Jack Vadaboncour on an innovative program called Tau Rewards, which allowed for peer driven recognition for actions which supported academic improvement. Dave Seiler ’77 led an alumni committee, which publicly awarded over $20,000 in scholarships at homecoming to deserving undergrads. But mostly, the guys just buckled down and did the work needed to achieve the improvement.
Here are the highlights:
Chapter
- Gamma Zeta’s average member GPA now ranks 17th among the 49 fraternities on campus, a 20 spot improvement since last semester.
- Current member average of 3.1543 outperformed the IFC average of 3.1167 for the first time since the fall of 2010. For reference, Gamma Zeta’s average for the Spring 2013 semester was 2.9715
- The new initiate average was reported without error and was 3.1943
- Here is a link to the Interfraternity Council website to view the entirety of the data – http://www.odos.uiuc.edu/greek/scholarship/ifcgrades.asp
Individual
- Matthew Siegel had the highest GPA as a pledge with 3.8
- George Sotos achieved the highest Cumulative GPA in ATO at 3.91
- Spencer Stiltz earned the highest GPA last semester with a 4.0
- Christian Arevalo won a most improved award by having his current term GPA beat his cumulative GPA by .64 points
- Keith Chinwuba also was recognized for improvement by having his current term GPA beat his cumulative GPA by .83 points
These individuals were all treated to a steak dinner paid for by alumni in recognition of their outstanding performances.
Great work guys!!